Twenty-two horses have been paid up as final acceptors for the Caulfield Cup.

The most notable omission at deadline time was Quintessential, last year’s Queensland Oaks winner who has reportedly been retired from racing after a lacklustre track gallop on Tuesday morning.

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Her defection leaves the veteran English stayer Forgotten Voice vying for the last spot in the field with the Gai Waterhouse-trained Julienas.

Eighteen horses can run in Saturday’s $2.5 million race with Forgotten Voice and Julienas equal 18th in the ballot order.

The Melbourne Racing Club and Racing Victoria will decide which horse makes the field.

The final 18 will be announced at 3pm (AEDT).

As expected, owner Lloyd Williams paid up only one runner, the Turnbull Stakes placegetter Fawkner.